Irish Heritage: Inside the Russborough House

Since the mid-18th century, Russborough House has seen gentility and debauchery, neglect and glittering gatherings. Through it all, this grand country estate has stood as a testament to the glories of Ireland

Library

Library

Often described as the most beautiful house in Ireland, Russborough is certainly the longest: Its granite façade stretches 700 feet. Designed by German-born architect Richard Castle, the Palladian building dates from the 1740s and was commissioned by Joseph Leeson, whose father had made a fortune in brewing and property speculation.

In the library of Russborough House in County Wicklow, Ireland, the 20th-century sofa and armchairs are covered in oxblood leather, the George III–style table is inlaid mahogany, and the William IV plant stands flanking it are rosewood; the plaster ceiling by Paolo and Filippo Lafranchini dates from the 18th century, a portrait of the Countess of Airlie by Sir John Lavery hangs beside the 18th-century marble fireplace, the Venetian glass chandelier is 19th century, and the rug was commissioned in 1952 from Madrid's Royal Tapestry Factory.

Drawing Room

Drawing Room

On coming into his inheritance, Leeson decided to buy himself both a seat in parliament and a seat in the country, in County Wicklow. Soon Russborough was filled with treasures acquired during Leeson's two Grand Tours across mainland Europe. The rooms in which these were displayed offer outstanding examples of 18th-century Irish craftsmanship, with mahogany parquet flooring and elaborate plasterwork covering ceilings and even walls—all on shining display since 1978, when the property first opened to the public.

The George II console in the drawing room is flanked by a pair of 1794 chairs, the plasterwork is Baroque, and the 18th-century seascape is one of a quartet by Claude-Joseph Vernet.